System and method for accurate bulk scanning of RFID tags

ABSTRACT

A system to accurately and consistently read Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) information from RFID tags placed upon objects. The system features a moving antenna or antenna array pointed toward a target detection zone. In some embodiments, a portal is constructed having electromagnetic shielding properties and containers carrying RFID tagged objects are loaded through the portal. In other embodiments, multiple antenna arrays are installed within the portal. Movement of antenna arrays may be provided using a non-electronic motor or actuator to suppress potential electromagnetic interference. A method of accurately and consistently reading RFID information from RFID sources by providing the antenna(s) and portal passing objects having RFID tags proximate the antenna(s) and through the portal, and optimizing the angle by which the antennas and/or antenna arrays may best read the RFID signals upon a target detection zone via movement of the antenna(s).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

To the full extent permitted by law, the present U.S. Non-Provisionalpatent application hereby claims priority to and the full benefit of,U.S. Provisional application entitled “SYSTEM FOR SCANNING BULK RFIDTAGS,” having assigned Ser. No. 63/028,927, filed on May 22, 2020, whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates generally to the reading of radiofrequency identification (RFID) tags. More specifically, the presentdisclosure is directed to systems and methods of accurately scanninglarge quantities of RFID tags through various improvements inelectromagnetic isolation, antenna array orientation, and antennamovement.

BACKGROUND

Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags are a well-known and nearuniversally adopted means of automatically identifying and trackingobjects without requiring a visible label (e.g., UPC). An RFID systemconsists of a small radio transponder (the tag), a radio receiver, and atransmitter. When triggered by an electromagnetic pulse from a nearbyRFID reader device, the tag transmits digital data back to the reader.This data is usually an identifying number or an inventory number.Usually, these numbers are unique to each object, even if the objectsare largely fungible. For instance, if a manufacturer were wanting totrack hats which they manufacture across their entire supply chain,unique identifiers for each hat could be loaded into each tag, and uponreading could be logged or otherwise annotated in an inventory system.If one of the hats were to go missing, the manufacturer could easilypinpoint the last place in its logistic enterprise where the hat waslogged and further investigate the problem. These RFID tags often assumea form factor similar to a label or even may be embedded into a literal“tag”. Other uses include integration into the packaging or even theproduct/object itself. RFID tags typically comprise (i) an integratedcircuit and (ii) one or more antennas. The integrated circuit typicallycarries out a variety of functions including modulating and demodulatingradio frequency signals, data storage, and data processing. Someintegrated circuits are self-powered (e.g., near-field communicators)while others are passive and would then be completely dependent upon anexternal power source to support their occasional functionality.Usually, this external power source is the RFID reader itself, whichbroadcasts an electromagnetic pulse, causing the RFID tag to broadcastits data. Given the utility of the technology and the inexpensive natureof the RFID tags themselves, it is no wonder they have been nearlyuniversally adopted as a means of tracking and identifying goods over acertain price point. Even relatively inexpensive goods (e.g., books,digital media discs) often arrive at retailers with RFID tags containedtherein and goods which are routinely serviced (e.g., institutionallaundry) may be RFID tagged if only to track a service as it is beingprovided by a third-party (or provided by an internal business unit).

There are proposals to utilize RFID tags to individually identifyindividual items, in a systematic and universally recognizable way. Suchsystems usually establish a system and library for the assignment ofcodes to individual objects which can then assist the users of thesesystems to uniquely identify each tag and, by association, each itemassociated on a one-for-one basis. Using such a system, and to theextent that such proposed systems are already in use, have, will, or cancreate enormous benefits to companies with respect to inventorytracking, logistical optimization, process automation, and otherbenefits known to those skilled in the art.

The ability to read and then uniquely identify each item as it enters orleaves a commercial facility or other area (e.g., a manufacturer, arepair facility, a cargo container, a staging area, a transportationvehicle, a retailer, etc.) offers companies countless opportunities tonot only to track, but to improve, optimize and even automate theirprocesses. The ability to accurately read these RFID tags in bulk,comprises just one potential area of process improvement. In order toensure count accuracy of all objects entering or leaving a facility,usually a process must first narrow the potential entry/exit points downto that which RFID readers may be deployed. The expense of an RFIDreader in conjunction with the number of entrances may be the onlylimiting factors here. Given controlled and relatively narrow andconfined point-of-access (e.g., a loading dock where trucks areunloaded), companies can be relatively assured that all objects bearingRFID tags and passing through the RFID scanner will be counted uponentry. However, in certain commercial, manufacturing, logistical, andindustrial settings, even if these entry points are relatively small,the arrangement of objects passing through such an entry/exit point maycause certain inaccuracies, due to inherent limitations of the RFIDtechnology, interference of electromagnetic energy found in real-worldsettings, and unpredictable arrangement of objects as they pass throughany given entry/exit point.

While successful and effective in theory or industrial laboratorysettings, many approaches to achieve count accuracy approaching 100%often fail in real-world practice. One example, failure to isolateand/or shield RFID readers from RFID tags which may be activated near,but not passing through, an entry/exit may cause that RFID tag to becounted multiple times throughout the course of an operational day. Inother words, any number of objects bearing RFID tags and stored near anentry/exit may be counted redundantly, thereby causing an overcount ormultiple redundant count of an object which may never have even enteredor exited the building on a particular day. This can cause errors inlogs, might require manual review/oversight, and may cause a company toabandon storage within otherwise perfectly suitable and even convenientor optimal square footage. Other examples of implementations withshortfalls include portals having electromagnetic shielding withnumerous RFID tag scanning antennas. In addition to the shortfall thatthese portals and their numerous RFID tag scanning antennas may beprohibitively expensive to assemble, they may also lack the ability toachieve a wide number of angles of activation and signal capture due tothe antennas being fixed in place, meaning the number of angles may belimited by the number of antennas.

In another example, the arrangement of objects as they enter or leave afacility may have a substantial effect on whether RFID readers achievean accurate count of objects. Orientation, specifically with respect tothe orientation between any particular RFID tag and the antenna of anRFID reader, has been shown to be important to whether a passive RFIDtag is activated by the electromagnetic pulse of the reader and whetherthe RFID reader receives the data then broadcasted from the tag. Certainangles of orientation or arrangement techniques may be optimal for someof the objects during a bulk scan, but not others. For instance, in thecase of finished, packaged, and palletized electronic devices bearingRFID tags, all tags may be oriented parallel or perpendicular to afloor. In such a situation, an industrial engineer or other individualskilled in the art may be able to identify the optimal angle for anantenna of an RFID reader to receive a bulk count approaching 100%accuracy. However, should certain objects (e.g., the electronics withinthe boxes) or other RFID tags on the pallet block certain deeply storedpalleted objects, all objects may not be counted without the need for anarrayed antenna for an RFID reader or several RFID reading antennasacross several RFID readers. In a less organized example, if a facilitywere receiving loads of donated books destined for processing andshipment, the arrangement may not be so neatly oriented. Even if certainobjects within the tagged containers did not interfere magnetically, therandom orientation of RFID tags may cause an inaccurate count, or missan unacceptable number during processing. In each of these examples,economic costs may be borne in a variety of forms. By way of example andnot limitation, these may include additional labor to scan, additionallabor to manually verify by hand-count, inaccurate inventory shrinkreporting, missed invoicing of services, opportunities for theft, thelike, and/or combinations thereof. In the case of a facility whichrelies on accurate counting of textile materials to be accepted from aclient, laundered and returned to a client, low counts at any percentagemay substantially affect the bottom-line and may force a company torequire higher prices on quotes on a per-item basis than theircompetitors who are able to accurately count the materials they receive.Therefore, automated and accurate counting in this specific industry, asin other industries, may offer a competitive advantage. If such acompany could rely on having near 100% accurate automated counts, itcould offer lower prices to its customers on a per-item basis while alsobeing able to make more profit on each item, since their competitors mayhave to assume a certain undercounting.

The instant disclosure may be designed to address at least certainaspects of the problems or needs discussed above by providing a systemand method for the accurate bulk-scanning of RFID tags.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may solve the aforementioned limitations of thecurrently available RFID bulk scanning devices by providing a system andmethod for the accurate bulk-scanning of RFID tags. Such a system andmethod may be thought of as having three broad categories ofimprovement: (i) focused antenna array(s) (ii) capable of radio-silentmovement (iii) isolated from surrounding electromagnetic interference.Alone and in combination, each serves to increase the accuracy ofbulk-scanning systems and methods currently in use in manufacturing,logistics, shipping, receiving, industrial processing, consumer retail,and other facilities in need of accurately counting objects entering andleaving a facility.

Accordingly, in one aspect, the system for the accurate bulk-scanning ofRFID tags includes an at least one antenna. This at least one antennamay form an antenna array, each antenna having an angle specific to aproposed structure or container having a bulk number of objectscontained within it and bearing RFID tags. The at least one antenna maybe capable of sending an electromagnetic pulse toward such a container,activating the RFID circuits, then capable of receiving the data storedtherewithin the RFID tags, usually a unique object identifier. The areawhich a container may be oriented with respect to one or more of the atleast one antenna may be henceforth referred to as “the container area”.

In a potentially preferred embodiment of this aspect, the at least oneantenna is actually three antenna arrays: (i) a first antenna array toone side of the container area, (ii) a second antenna array to the otherside of the container area, and (iii) a third antenna array to the topof the container area. Each antenna array may feature a first antennaoriented directly facing and centered upon the container area and twooffset antennas a specific distance from the first antenna and having anangle orientation such that its focus is still upon the container area(i.e., each antenna face is angled toward the center antenna).

In another aspect, the system for the accurate bulk-scanning of RFIDtags may include a radio-silent mechanism for movement of the at leastone antenna. Though many radio-silent mechanisms are contemplatedherein, pneumatic and/or hydraulic actuators may offer optimizationalong simplicity, maintenance, and economic concerns. Depending onproposed container areas, movement may be achieved in any number ofdirections including but not limited to spinning, sliding, revolving,rotating, zig-zag, and/or random orbital. Movement of the at least oneantenna may be preferable to obtain an increased number of angles over astationary at least one antenna. The radio silence may offer theadditional benefit of minimizing sources of electromagnetic interferencewith both the activation pulse and data transmission to/from the RFIDtags.

In a potentially preferred embodiment of this aspect, the radio-silentmechanism for movement may be rotation of the potentially preferredembodiment of the at least one antenna around each center antenna at itscenter via a pneumatic rotary actuator. In this embodiment, each offsetantenna may be connected along a moving/articulating arm, the centerantenna pivoting on its center during movement. Furthermore, thepneumatic rotary actuator may rotate and/or spin the antenna array armthrough any number of proposed radian/degree movements, including butnot limited to 90°, 180°, 270°, 360°, interceding degrees and multiplesthereof. Depending on type of objects, type of containers, and accuracyneeded, smaller rotational angles may be preferable to conserve power(in the case of a compressor powered pneumatic system) or compressed air(in the case of a tank-powered system. Furthermore, large angles may beredundant assuming a motionless container and three-antenna array arm(i.e., at 180°, substantially all angles may be covered, and with a3-array system, even 90° may suffice).

In yet another aspect, the system for the accurate bulk-scanning of RFIDtags may include a portal capable of electromagnetic interferencereduction and/or isolation. Such a portal may be as simple as a metalenclosure having an entry door and an exit door, each of metal, incombination with a solid (e.g., concrete) floor. When a container isplaced in a container area of the disclosure, the doors of the portalare shut, the system for bulk-scanning RFIDs may be activated. Suchisolation may prevent nearby RFIDs not intended to be counted as well asother electromagnetic interreference from entering the portal, therebyboth preventing over-count of errant RFIDs and undercounting those RFIDssusceptible to outside electromagnetic interference, for whatever reasonthat may be. Other incarnations of this aspect may include faradaycages, concrete, other electromagnetic shielding designs, the like,and/or combinations thereof, in addition to configurations with moreand/or fewer means of ingress/egress. Additionally, motion into and outof the portal may be automated via an additional system (e.g., roboticdevice, conveyor belt, etc.). Those skilled in the art of automation,industrial design, etc. may implement additional improvements to thistype of structure which may have specific benefits to each individualapplication of this disclosure.

In an exemplary embodiment of the portal capable of electromagneticinterference reduction and/or isolation, the portal structure may havean ingress side having a door, an egress side having a door, two sidesconnecting the ingress and egress sides, a roof and a floor. Theingress, egress, two connecting sides, roof and doors may each beconstructed of metal in this embodiment. The floor may be constructed ofconcrete. Internally, the preferred embodiments of both the at least oneantenna and the radio-silent mechanism for movement may be installedthereon the two connecting sides and the roof. In a potentialimprovement of this embodiment, covers made of non-isolating materials(e.g., plastic, wood, fiberglass, composite) may be installed to protectand/or conceal the at least one antenna. These panels may serve thebenefit of both concealing the antennas, protecting them from damage,and may offer easy access for maintenance and/or cleaning.

In another aspect, the method for the accurate bulk-scanning of RFIDtags may include installation of the at least one antenna aspect, theradio-silent mechanism for movement, and the portal structure inaccordance with the disclosure, followed by a series of steps to countthe RFID objects contained within a container. In a proposed potentiallypreferred embodiment of this method of the disclosure, the ingress doormay be opened, the container placed inside, the ingress and egress doorsmay then be closed, the RFID scanner (the at least one antenna) may beactivated, causing the rotary(s) actuator to move, then causing eachRFID tag to be activated and transmit to the RFID scanner (the at leastone antenna) the identifier data, which may then be processed by asystem to log the identities and/or numbers of objects for an intendeduse. then the egress door may be opened, the container removed, and theprocess/method may be repeated for other containers.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplaryobjectives and/or advantages of the disclosure, and the manner in whichthe same are accomplished, are further explained within the followingdetailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will be better understood by reading the DetailedDescription with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and in which like reference numerals denotesimilar structure and refer to like elements throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of an exemplary embodiment of the systemof the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of an exemplary embodiment of the systemof the disclosure having a cutaway view showing an exemplary at leastone antenna;

FIG. 3 is a perspective drawing of an exemplary embodiment of the systemof the disclosure without the exemplary protective panels to showvarious views of exemplary antennas;

FIG. 4A is an elevation view of an exemplary at least one antenna andradio-silent movement mechanism;

FIG. 4B is another elevation view of an exemplary at least one antennaand radio-silent movement mechanism, the antenna in movement;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary at least one antenna andradio silent movement mechanism, the antenna in movement; and

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for the accuratebulk-scanning of RFID tags.

It is to be noted that the drawings presented are intended solely forthe purpose of illustration and that they are, therefore, neitherdesired nor intended to limit the disclosure to any or all of the exactdetails of construction shown, except insofar as they may be deemedessential to the claimed disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, in describing the exemplary embodiments ofthe present disclosure, specific terminology is employed for the sake ofclarity. The present disclosure, however, is not intended to be limitedto the specific terminology so selected, and it is to be understood thateach specific element includes all technical equivalents that operate ina similar manner to accomplish similar functions. Embodiments of theclaims may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should notbe construed to be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Theexamples set forth herein are non-limiting examples and are merelyexamples among other possible examples. By way of example, an antennamay be a single RFID scanning device or several arranged and/or mountedon an apparatus, which may also be referred to as an antenna array.Though one non-electronic motor may be thoroughly described to drivecertain components and movement of the system of the disclosure, manynon-electronic motors are contemplated herein including but not limitedto heat engines (e.g., internal combustion, steam), external pressuredriven (e.g., hydraulic, pneumatic), and wind-up (e.g., those found in aclock or watch). Additionally, known techniques toisolate/minimize/eliminate any electronic/electromatic interferencecaused by the use of an electronic motor are also herein contemplated,including but not limited to low-power motors and electromagneticshielding. The motor described in some embodiments of the disclosedsystem may be referred to as pneumatic rotary actuator, pressure-drivenrotary actuator, rotary actuator, actuator, motor, the like, and/orcombinations and variations thereof.

The present disclosure solves the aforementioned limitations of thecurrently available devices, platforms, systems and methods ofbulk-scanning RFID tags by providing a series of improvements to such asystem, each of which solves a particular problem to increase accuracyof bulk-scanning while preserving automation. By arranging a systemaccording to the principles of electromatic isolation and angularelectromagnetic optimization via movement, 100% accuracy of capture ofRFID information may be approached and even achieved.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, therein illustrated is aperspective drawing of an exemplary embodiment of the system of thedisclosure. Generally, the system of the disclosure may feature portal100, which features various aspects. Portal 100 may be installed uponfloor F, wherein container C is illustrated as having a payload oflaundry L loaded therein, and container C is awaiting entry into portal100. Floor F may be constructed of any number of suitable flooringmaterials, including but not limited to concrete, metal, tile, laminate,the like and/or combinations thereof. Benefits may be achieved using aflooring which features electromagnetic shielding properties, such asconcrete or metal. Container C may be a rolling cart or any container orportable/movable surface upon which objects reside or rest. By way ofexample and not limitation, container C could be a laundry cart or itcould be any number of types of carts. It is herein contemplated thatcontainer C could be another type of container or palletized objects,boxes, freight, the like and/or combinations thereof. Importantly,container C, or cart/pallet variations thereof, contains objectsfeaturing RFID tags, illustrated herein as laundry L. Laundry L may haveRFID tags sewn into, sewn onto, adhered, or otherwise attached to eachindividual article of laundry L. Similarly, other items within containerC, or cart/pallet variations thereof, may have RFID tags similarlyattached or adhered to each object contained in/on container C.

Referring now more specifically to the parts and features of portal 100of FIG. 1, therein illustrated is portal 100 having left internal panel103, right internal panel (not shown), internal roof panel (not shown),portal external ingress panel 114 having portal ingress opening 104,portal external egress panel 115 having portal egress opening 105 (seeFIG. 3), first external portal connecting side panel 112 (which may beunderstood as left external portal side panel), second externalconnecting side panel 113 (which may be understood as left externalportal side panel), and portal external roof panel 116. Connected toeach of said portal external ingress panel 114 and portal externalegress panel 115 may be portal doors 101 a and 101 b. As illustrated,these doors open at the center of portal ingress opening 104, and areattached at each side of portal ingress opening 104 to portal externalingress panel 114, but the disclosure is not so limited. Behind each ofsaid left internal panel 103, right internal panel, and internal roofpanel may be antenna 410 (or left antenna 412, right antenna 413, andtop antenna 411, respectively), which are covered in greater detail inFIGS. 2-5.

Importantly, construction material choices for these features andcomponents of portal 100, namely each respective panel, may increase theutility, with respect to RFID signal penetration and electromagneticshielding, enhancing portal 100's ability to accurately detect RFIDtags. One skilled in the art may observe a grouping of internal panelsand external panels to determine appropriate choices of materials. Leftinternal panel 103, right internal panel, and internal roof panel may beconstructed of materials generally known for their electromagnetictransparency. It should be noted that the primary utility of leftinternal panel 103, right internal panel, and internal roof panel mayprimarily be concealing and protecting the moving electronic componentsbehind each panel. Therefore, portal 100 may function normally absentthese internal panels. If present, suitable construction materials forleft internal panel 103, right internal panel, and internal roof panelmay include but are not limited to plastic, wood, plexiglass, glass,composite materials (e.g., fiberglass or carbon fiber), drywall, thelike and/or combinations thereof. Left internal panel 103, rightinternal panel, and internal roof panel may include permanently securedcomponents in addition to removeable panels, and left internal panel103, right internal panel, and internal roof panel may preferably beentirely removeable to allow for maintenance of the components whichthey conceal/protect. External panels and doors, including portalexternal ingress panel 114, portal external egress panel 115 (see FIG.3), first external portal connecting side panel 112, second externalconnecting side panel 113, portal external roof panel 116, and portaldoors 101A and 101B may be generally constructed of materials whichfeature electromagnetic shielding properties. These materials mayinclude sheet metals (e.g., steel, copper, aluminum, zinc, nickel),metal mesh, or some combination of non-shielding materials combined witha shielding material (e.g., a metal mesh faraday cage installed withinplaster or concrete). In combination with floor F, with portal doors101A and 101B closed, the inside of portal 100 should be substantiallyshielded from electromagnetic waves/radiation during operation, shouldone skilled in the art desire to maximize accuracy of the RFID system ofthe disclosure.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 2, therein illustrated is aperspective drawing of an exemplary embodiment of the system of thedisclosure having a cutaway view showing an exemplary at least oneantenna 410 (here illustrated as left antenna 412). Generally, thesystem of the disclosure may feature portal 100, which features variousaspects. Portal 100 may be installed upon floor F, wherein container Cis illustrated as having a payload of laundry L loaded therein, andcontainer C is awaiting entry into portal 100. Importantly, container C,or cart/pallet variations thereof, contains objects featuring RFID tags,illustrated herein as laundry L. Portal 100 may feature left internalpanel 103 (shown cutaway), right internal panel (not shown), internalroof panel (not shown), portal external ingress panel 114 (or frontpanel) having portal ingress opening 104, portal external egress panel115 (or rear panel) having portal egress opening 105 (see FIG. 3), firstexternal portal connecting side panel 112, second external connectingside panel 113, and portal external roof panel 116. Connected to each ofsaid portal external ingress panel 114 and portal external egress panel115 may be portal doors 101A and 101B. Behind each of said left internalpanel 103, right internal panel, and internal roof panel may be antenna410 (or left antenna 412, right antenna 413, and top antenna 411,respectively), which are individually covered in greater detail in FIG.3. Generally, each antenna 410 may be constructed of multiple RFIDreading antennas connected to a single RFID reader placed in a locationdesirable to create a target detection zone, the important aspects ofwhich will be more apparent upon review of FIGS. 4a, 4b , and 5. Variousfeatures of antenna 410 may also be of interest to one skilled in theart and are therein described. Importantly, as illustrated herein FIG.2, antenna 410 is an antenna array which features a center RFID readingantenna and two offset RFID reading antennas angled inward at a focuspoint centrally located within portal 100. These RFID antennas mayalternatively be thought of as independent antennas or sub-antennas ofantenna 410, and antenna 410 connected to a single RFID reader or anRFID reading system. When container C having laundry L (or anotherpayload of RFID tagged objects) is placed therein portal 100, portaldoors 101A and 101B may be closed in order to then cause antenna 410 tobe activated, which may cause the cascade effect of activating RFID tagstherein laundry L to transmit identification signals/data back toantenna 410.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 3, therein illustrated is aperspective drawing of an exemplary embodiment of the system of thedisclosure without the exemplary protective panels to show various viewsof exemplary antennas. The perspective view is disassembled of internalpanels of portal 100 and shown from below to expose and betterillustrate the arrangement of top antenna 411, left antenna 412, andright antenna 413. Also illustrated therein are other features of thedisclosed system including portal 100, which features various aspects.Portal 100 may feature left internal panel 103 (not shown), rightinternal panel (not shown), internal roof panel (not shown), portalexternal ingress panel 114 having portal ingress opening 104, portalexternal egress panel 115 having portal egress opening 105, firstexternal portal connecting side panel 112, second external connectingside panel 113, and portal external roof panel 116. Connected to each ofsaid portal external ingress panel 114 and portal external egress panel115 may be portal doors 101A and 101B (see FIGS. 1-2). Behind each ofsaid left internal panel 103, right internal panel, and internal roofpanel may be left antenna 412, right antenna 413, and top antenna 411,respectively. Generally, left antenna 412, right antenna 413, and topantenna 411 may be each an antenna array constructed of multiple RFIDreading antennas connected to an RFID reader and placed in a locationdesirable to create a target detection zone, the important aspects ofwhich will be more apparent upon review of FIGS. 4a, 4b , and 5. Variousfeatures of left antenna 412, right antenna 413, and top antenna 411 mayalso be of interest to one skilled in the art and are therein described.Importantly, as illustrated herein FIG. 3, left antenna 412, rightantenna 413, and top antenna 411 are each illustrated as antenna arrayswhich each feature a center RFID reading antenna and two offset RFIDreading antenna angled inward at a focus point centrally located withinportal 100, each of these antennas and/or antenna arrays connected to anRFID reader, or in a perhaps preferred embodiment, all may be connectedto a single RFID reader. These RFID reading antennas may be thought ofas sub-antennas of each of left antenna 412, right antenna 413, and topantenna 411, and left antenna 412, right antenna 413, and top antenna411 may then each be thought of as either a single antenna having aplurality of sub-antennas or as antenna arrays, each featuring aplurality of antennas. When container C having laundry L (or anotherpayload of RFID tagged objects) is placed therein portal 100, portaldoors 101A and 101B may be closed in order to then cause left antenna412, right antenna 413, and top antenna 411 to be activated, which maycause the cascade effect of activating RFID tags therein laundry L totransmit identification signals/data back to left antenna 412, rightantenna 413, and/or top antenna 411. Additionally, as described andillustrated in further detail below, left antenna 412, right antenna413, and top antenna 411 may each feature movement, which may furtherenhance each of left antenna 412, right antenna 413, and top antenna 411to receive RFID information from all objects contained in container C,thereby more accurately counting RFID tags contained therein.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 4A, therein illustrated is anelevation view of an exemplary at least one antenna 410, which may beunderstood as an antenna assembly, and radio-silent movement mechanism,namely, in an exemplary embodiment, pressure driven rotary actuator 440(see FIGS. 4B, 5). Antenna 410 may also be understood to be an apparatusfor the reading of RFID tags. Antenna 410 may comprise one or more ofthe elements of center antenna 421 with left array antenna 422 to itsleft some distance and right antenna 423 to its right some distance,each array antenna which may be mounted to antenna arm 420 (alsounderstood as articulating antenna arm, articulating arm, or just arm)which may be mounted to pressure driven rotary actuator 440 (see FIGS.4B, 5) and fixed mount 430. Shown connected behind center array antenna421 may be each of tube 441 and wire 442 which may connect to pressuredriven rotary actuator 440 and antenna 410 (or center array antenna 421,left array antenna 422, and right array antenna 423), respectively. Itshould be understood by those skilled in the art that tube 441 may beconstructed of any material suitable of delivering and maintainingliquid and/or gas pressure from a pressure source (not shown) topressure driven rotary actuator 440. Upon delivery of liquid and/or gasfrom a pressure source upon activation to pressure driven rotaryactuator 440, pressure driven rotary actuator 440 may be actuated and/oractivated to cause antenna movement 415. Fixed mount 430 and antenna arm420 may each be constructed of any rigid material, and fixed mount 430may be connected in a fixed position within interior of portal 100. Inuse, a signal may be transmitted via wire 442 to cause center arrayantenna 421, left array antenna 422, and right array antenna 423 tobegin detecting and transmitting information relevant to RFID tagswithin its zone of detection or target area. Separately or inconjunction with this signal, pressure may be released into tube 441,causing pressure driven rotary actuator 440 to activate and move antennaarm 420 in the direction of antenna movement 415. As one of ordinaryskill in the art may understand, a benefit of pressure driven rotaryactuator 440, or any similar device which can cause movement absentelectrical signaling or power, may be the lack of electromagneticinterference or electromagnetic radiation (EMR) such a system can embodywhile simultaneously providing movement. Since RFID tags and RFIDantennas may best interact at specific powers, distances, and angles,movement within the devices of antenna 410 may increase fidelity withrespect to each individual RFID tag and the devices of antenna 410,namely center array antenna 421, left array antenna 422, and right arrayantenna 423. Further benefits may be achieved by optimizing distancesbetween center array antenna 421, left array antenna 422, and rightarray antenna 423, and the respective angles each of center arrayantenna 421, left array antenna 422, and right array antenna 423 arepositioned along antenna arm 420. In a perhaps optimal embodiment,several of antenna 410 may be placed within portal 100, utilizingdistances between center array antenna 421, left array antenna 422, andright array antenna 423 and respective angles thereof to achieve atarget detection zone optimal to container C, depending on specific orgeneral characteristics thereof. Finally, one skilled in the art wouldunderstand that tube 441 and wire 442 are illustrated herein forexemplary purposes only. Tube 441 and wire 442 may be a series of tubesor series of wires, respectively, connected to each of pressure drivenrotary actuator 440 and antenna 410 (or center array antenna 421, leftarray antenna 422, and right array antenna 423), respectively.Similarly, tube 441 and wire 442 may be concealed, installed in adifferent direction(s), may penetrate through a panel of portal 100 in amanner which it would not be visible as illustrated herein, or mayotherwise connect to a device or pressure source proximate antenna 410.Importantly, wire 442 may be a wireless connection to a device forrecording RFID information, though wireless communication active withinthe electromagnetic spectrum may be counterproductive to the intent ofthe present disclosure.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 4B, therein illustrated is anelevation view of an exemplary at least one antenna 410 and radio-silentmovement mechanism, namely, in an exemplary embodiment, pressure drivenrotary actuator 440, with antenna 410 illustrated during antennamovement 415. Antenna 410 may comprise one or more of the elements ofcenter array antenna 421 with left array antenna 422 to its left somedistance and right array antenna 423 to its right some distance, eacharray antenna which may be mounted to antenna arm 420 which may bemounted to pressure driven rotary actuator 440 (see also FIG. 5) andfixed mount 430. Connected behind center array antenna 421 may be eachof tube 441 and wire 442 (see FIG. 4A) which may connect to pressuredriven rotary actuator 440 and antenna 410 (or center array antenna 421,left array antenna 422, and right array antenna 423), respectively. Itshould be understood by those skilled in the art that tube 441 may beconstructed of any material suitable of delivering and maintainingliquid and/or gas pressure from a pressure source (not shown) topressure driven rotary actuator 440. Upon delivery of liquid and/or gasfrom a pressure source upon activation to pressure driven rotaryactuator 440, pressure driven rotary actuator 440 may be actuated and/oractivated to cause antenna movement 415. The example angle illustratedherein is approximately 45° from its starting point in FIG. 4A, thoughthis radial angle may be any greater or lesser angle known to thoseskilled in the art. Speed of movement may be important to RFID readingand the fidelity thereof, so adjustments and fine-tuning may benecessary to achieve optimal reading and fidelity, in addition tooptimal angling and movement of antenna arm 420. Fixed mount 430 andantenna arm 420 may each be constructed of any rigid material, and fixedmount 430 may be connected in a fixed position within interior of portal100. In use, a signal may be transmitted via wire 442 to cause centerarray antenna 421, left array antenna 422, and right array antenna 423to begin detecting and transmitting information relevant to RFID tagswithin its zone of detection or target area. Separately or inconjunction with this signal, pressure may be released into tube 441,causing pressure driven rotary actuator 440 to activate and move antennaarm 420 in the direction of antenna movement 415.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, therein illustrated is aperspective view of an exemplary at least one antenna 410 andradio-silent movement mechanism, namely, in an exemplary embodiment,pressure driven rotary actuator 440, with antenna 410 illustrated duringantenna movement 415. Antenna 410 may comprise one or more of theelements of center array antenna 421 with left array antenna 422 to itsleft some distance and right array antenna 423 to its right somedistance, each array antenna which may be mounted to antenna arm 420which may be mounted to pressure driven rotary actuator 440 (see alsoFIG. 5) and fixed mount 430. Connected behind center array antenna 421may be each of tube 441 and wire 442 (see FIG. 4A) which may connect topressure driven rotary actuator 440 and antenna 410 (or center arrayantenna 421, left array antenna 422, and right array antenna 423),respectively. It should be understood by those skilled in the art thattube 441 may be constructed of any material suitable of delivering andmaintaining liquid and/or gas pressure from a pressure source (notshown) to pressure driven rotary actuator 440. Upon delivery of liquidand/or gas from a pressure source upon activation to pressure drivenrotary actuator 440, pressure driven rotary actuator 440 may be actuatedand/or activated to cause antenna movement 415. The example angleillustrated herein FIG. 5 is again approximately 45° from its startingpoint in FIG. 4A, though this radial angle may be any greater or lesserangle known to those skilled in the art. Speed of movement may beimportant to RFID reading and the fidelity thereof, so adjustments andfine-tuning may be necessary to achieve optimal reading and fidelity, inaddition to optimal angling and movement of antenna arm 420. Fixed mount430 and antenna arm 420 may each be constructed of any rigid material,and fixed mount 430 may be connected in a fixed position within interiorof portal 100. In use, a signal may be transmitted via wire 442 to causecenter array antenna 421, left array antenna 422, and right arrayantenna 423 to begin detecting and transmitting information relevant toRFID tags within its zone of detection or target area. Separately or inconjunction with this signal, pressure may be released into tube 441,causing pressure driven rotary actuator 440 to activate and move antennaarm 420 in the direction of antenna movement 415. Since RFID tags andRFID antennas may best interact at specific powers, distances, andangles, movement within the devices of antenna 410 may increase fidelitywith respect to each individual RFID tag and the devices of antenna 410,namely center array antenna 421, left array antenna 422, and right arrayantenna 423. Further benefits may be achieved by optimizing distancesbetween center array antenna 421, left array antenna 422, and rightarray antenna 423, and the respective angles each of center arrayantenna 421, left array antenna 422, and right array antenna 423 arepositioned along antenna arm 420. In a perhaps optimal embodiment,several of antenna 410 may be placed within portal 100, utilizingdistances between center array antenna 421, left array antenna 422, andright array antenna 423 and respective angles thereof to achieve atarget detection zone optimal to container C, depending on specific orgeneral characteristics thereof. As illustrated herein FIG. 5, centerarray antenna 421 may be angled parallel to antenna arm 420 and fixedmount 430 so as to face directly the center of a proposed targetdetection zone. Furthermore, left array antenna 422 may be placedleftward of center array antenna 421, but angled slightly inward towardcenter to again meet a hypothetical target detection zone. Finally,right array antenna 423 may be placed rightward of center array antenna421 and again, angled slightly inward toward center, with its facepointing in the same direction as left array antenna 422, but theinverse angle with respect to antenna arm 420.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 6, therein illustrated is a flowchartof an exemplary method for the accurate bulk-scanning of RFID tags.Beginning at first method step 601, one or more antenna 410 is providedand optionally mounted within portal 100. At second method step 602,container C having RFID-tagged objects therein are placed proximatelyantenna 410 or optionally within a target detection zone of portal 100.Then, at third method step 603, an RFID scanning feature is activated tocause antenna 410 to activate and capture RFID information storedthereon tags of RFID-tagged objects. Next or simultaneously with thirdmethod step 603, at fourth method step 604, pressure driven rotaryactuator 440 may be activated to move antenna 410, optionally andperhaps in a preferred embodiment, antenna movement 415 is in a radialdirection. Finally, in connection with a device capable of receivingRFID information from an RFID scanner, at fifth method step 605, anaccurate RFID count of RFID-tagged objects within container C may beobtained. During this method or process, it may be beneficial to add avariety of steps that would further increase the utility of the methodof the disclosure. These may include by way of example and notlimitation closing portal doors 101A and 101B prior to third method step603.

In order to validate the performance of exemplary systems and methods ofthe instant disclosure, a comparative experiment was designed to testthem against a prior art system and method. At a facility known tocommonly monitor laundry L intake, five carts, resembling container C,were randomly chosen, each cart having stored therein various quantitiesof individual pieces of laundry L, each individual piece having an RFIDtag. Each container C having varying densities of laundry L wererandomly chosen at a facility known to commonly monitor laundry L intakevia container C. Each container C was then scanned using a preferredembodiment portal and antenna arrangement of the system of thedisclosure and scanned using a preferred embodiment of the method of thedisclosure. Each container C was also scanned using a prior art systemmanufactured by a leading RFID portal manufacturer having fixedantennas. Each scan result for each container C were printed andattached to each container C having stored therein an unknown quantityof laundry L. A hand count of each container C was then performed. Forthe first container, the prior art RFID portal scan indicated a quantityof laundry L of 343 pieces and the exemplary system of the disclosurecounted 281 pieces. After hand-counting the items in the cart, theactual quantity was determined to be 282. A further investigation of thefirst container C, by individually scanning each piece of laundry L forits RFID tag revealed one defective tag in container C and a 100%accuracy of the exemplary system of the disclosure using the method ofthe disclosure, at least with respect to the counting of RFID tagscontained within container C. This compares to the 21.6% over-readingmargin of error for the prior art portal. The findings for each of theremaining four carts were similar, both in the exemplary system of thedisclosure and the prior art system, and all readings using theexemplary portal and antenna arrangement of the system of the disclosureyielded accuracy ratings of greater than 98.7%. One skilled in the artof inventory management and/or intake counting will appreciate thateither variation from accurate count, whether positive or negative,should be avoided, if possible. Undercount of inventory at intake mayhave several problems, including but not limited to decrease in invoicedamounts for per-unit services performed. Overcount of inventory atintake may also have several problems, including but not limited tomistaken accounting of shrink during a service process (i.e., themistaken accounting in lost inventory during processing when more areaccounted for at intake than were actually present). Even if, in theshort term, it may be more profitable to account for an increase inunits received when performing services on a per-unit basis, re-deliveryin a decreased quantity could result in compensation for goods neverreceived, and therefore, never lost. Further, the ethical andcontractual issues related to charging a customer for more work than wasperformed may be implicated if overcounting exists at intake.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized thatthe optimum dimensional relationships, to include variations in size,materials, shape, form, position, function and manner of operation,assembly, type of sensor/emitter (RFID, NFC, barcode, etc.), shape ofportal 100 (cubic, prismed, cylindrical, tubular, arched, etc.), shapeof antenna 410, and use, including use with any object capable of beingtagged with RFID, are intended to be encompassed by the presentdisclosure.

It is contemplated herein that the device may include a variety ofoverall sizes and corresponding sizes for and of various parts,including but not limited to: portal structure, skins, doors, ceiling,walls, antenna assemblies, cables, hubs, computers, monitors, and PLCs,or various electronic components to accommodate different needs.Furthermore, it is contemplated that due to variations in objects and/orliving things passing through a portal of the invention, that a varietyof considerations may be considered in regard to portal size andcomponent size preferences. Portals accommodating smaller objects may bemade of smaller components and larger portals may be preferred forlarger objects. Yet still, though the inventor has contemplated onemethod of arranging and articulating/controlling RFID sensing antennas,the disclosure is not limited to a single portal, antennaarrangement/position and movement/control technique. These may includeincreasing the total number of antennas, increasing the speed of antennarotation, increasing the rotational angle of the antennas beyond 180degrees, changing the antenna movement mechanism (e.g., sliding,revolving, vibrating), changing the motorization involved (e.g.,belt-driven, hydraulic, geared motor, hand crank), the like, and/orcombinations thereof. It is also contemplated that certainconsiderations and/or additional features of the present disclosure mayimprove the functionality. These may include the addition of cameras,imaging technology, predictive modelling, artificial intelligence, thelike, and/or combinations thereof to better calibrate antenna angleprior to an object's entry into the portal. In regard to communicationwith other devices via a network, the devices, including the antennasand antenna arrays, may communicate via any known or yet to bediscovered protocol, including wired signaling, wired networking, fiberoptic communication, wireless networking (i.e., WiFi), near fieldcommunication (e.g., Bluetooth® or NFC), the like or combinationsthereof. The device may receive power from any known method, includingbut not limited to an outlet designed for consumer or commercialelectronics or a battery which may or may not have the capability tore-charge.

In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of thedisclosure have been disclosed. The present disclosure is not limited tosuch exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes anyand all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Thefigures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawnto scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in ageneric and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

The foregoing description and drawings comprise illustrativeembodiments. Having thus described exemplary embodiments, it should benoted by those skilled in the art that the within disclosures areexemplary only, and that various other alternatives, adaptations, andmodifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure.Merely listing or numbering the steps of a method in a certain orderdoes not constitute any limitation on the order of the steps of thatmethod. Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind toone skilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having thebenefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Although specific terms may be employed herein,they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not forpurposes of limitation. Accordingly, the present disclosure is notlimited to the specific embodiments illustrated herein but is limitedonly by the following claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID)portal comprising: a first opening and a second opening; a targetdetection zone therebetween said first opening and said second opening;an antenna assembly positioned to scan said target detection zone, theantenna assembly comprising: an at least one RFID tag reading antennahaving an RFID scanning feature; and an at least one actuator, said atleast one actuator capable of moving said at least one RFID tag readingantenna in a direction; wherein said at least one actuator, during amotion of the at least one RFID tag reading antenna, does not emit anelectromagnetic radiation therebetween said RFID tag reading antenna andthe RFID tag, and said at least one RFID tag reading antenna isconfigured to activate said RFID scanning feature during said motion. 2.The RFID portal of claim 1, wherein the at least one RFID tag readingantenna is a three-antenna array having a first RFID tag readingantenna, a second RFID tag reading antenna, and a third RFID tag readingantenna.
 3. The RFID portal of claim 2, further comprising anarticulating arm having a face, a rear, a first end, a second end, and acenter, wherein the three-antenna array is affixed to said articulatingarm, the articulating arm is affixed at said center of said rear to apoint of actuation on the at least one actuator.
 4. The RFID portal ofclaim 3, wherein the first RFID tag reading antenna is attachedproximate the first end of the face of the articulating arm, the secondRFID tag reading antenna is attached proximate the second end of theface of the articulating arm, and the third RFID tag reading antenna isattached proximate the center of the face of the articulating arm. 5.The RFID portal of claim 4, wherein the first and the second RFID tagreading antennas face inwardly toward the third RFID tag reading antennaand the target detection zone.
 6. The RFID portal of claim 5, whereinthe at least one actuator is from a group of actuators, the group ofactuators consisting of a hydraulic rotary actuator and a pneumaticrotary actuator.
 7. The RFID portal of claim 6, further comprising anRFID portal, said RFID portal having a roof panel, a front panel havingan opening, a rear panel, a first side panel and a second side panel,wherein the target detection zone is proximate the center of the RFIDportal.
 8. The RFID portal of claim 7, further comprising a secondantenna assembly and a third antenna assembly, wherein the antennaassembly is mounted to the roof panel interior the RFID portal, saidsecond antenna assembly is mounted to the second side panel interior theRFID portal and said third antenna assembly is mounted to the first sidepanel interior the RFID portal, wherein said second antenna assemblycomprises a second set of three RFID tag reading antennas mounted to asecond articulating arm which is affixed to a second actuator and saidthird antenna assembly comprises a third set of three RFID tag readingantennas mounted to a third articulating arm which is affixed to a thirdactuator.
 9. The RFID portal of claim 8, further comprising a door atsaid opening of said front panel, the door capable of opening andclosing the opening.
 10. The RFID portal of claim 9, wherein the roofpanel, the front panel, the door, the rear panel, the first side paneland the second side panel are constructed of an electromagneticshielding material.
 11. The RFID portal of claim 10, further comprisingan interior roof panel parallel the roof panel, a first interior sidepanel parallel the first side panel and a second interior side panelparallel the second side panel.
 12. The RFID portal of claim 11, whereinthe interior roof panel, the first interior side panel, and the secondinterior side panel are each constructed of a material transparent toelectromagnetic radiation.
 13. The RFID portal of claim 6, furthercomprising: a roof panel; a front panel having said opening with a doorcapable of opening and closing; a rear panel; a first side panel; asecond side panel; an interior roof panel parallel said roof panel; afirst interior side panel parallel said first side panel; and a secondinterior side panel parallel said second side panel wherein the targetdetection zone is proximate the center of the RFID portal.
 14. The RFIDportal of claim 13, wherein the roof panel, the front panel, the door,the rear panel, the first side panel, the second side panel are eachconstructed of an electromagnetic shielding material and the interiorroof panel, the first interior side panel, and the second interior sidepanel are each constructed of a material transparent to electromagneticradiation.
 15. The RFID portal of claim 13, wherein the roof panel, thefront panel, the door, the rear panel, the first side panel, the secondside panel are each constructed of a metal and the interior roof panel,the first interior side panel, and the second interior side panel areeach constructed of a plastic.
 16. The RFID portal of claim 14, whereinthe antenna assembly is installed therebetween the roof panel and theinterior roof panel.
 17. The RFID portal of claim 14, wherein theantenna assembly is installed therebetween the roof panel and theinterior roof panel, and further comprising a second antenna assemblyinstalled therebetween the first side panel and the first interior sidepanel and a third antenna assembly installed therebetween the secondside panel and the second interior side panel, said second antennaassembly having a second at least one RFID tag reading antenna and asecond at least one actuator, said second at least one actuator capableof moving said second at least one RFID tag reading antenna in adirection and said third antenna assembly having a third at least oneRFID tag reading antenna and a third at least one actuator, said thirdat least one actuator capable of moving said third at least one RFID tagreading antenna in a direction.
 18. The RFID portal of claim 6, whereinthe direction is radially around the point of actuation.
 19. A method ofRadio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tag scanning a target detectionzone, the method comprising: providing an RFID portal having a firstopening, a second opening, and the target detection zone therebetweensaid first and said second opening, the portal having there installed atag reading antenna having an RFID scanning feature and having an atleast one actuator, said at least one actuator capable of moving said atleast one RFID tag reading antenna in a direction without emitting anelectromagnetic radiation; placing a container proximate the targetdetection zone, said container having stored therein a plurality ofobjects, the plurality of objects each having installed thereon a singleRFID tag from a plurality of RFID tags; activating the RFID scanningfeature of the at least one RFID reading antenna; activating the atleast one actuator causing the at least one actuator to move the RFIDreading antenna in the direction during a scan; and obtaining a readingof RFID tags therein the container.
 20. The method of claim 19, whereinthe RFID portal further comprises a roof, a front panel with said firstopening and a door, a rear panel, a first side panel, and a second sidepanel, the at least one RFID tag reading antenna installed therein saidRFID portal wherein the container is placed within the RFID portal.